HAWKESWOOD, Albert Ernest

Albert Hawkeswood was the son of Ernest and Sarah Hawkeswood of Halesowen. He enlisted in the Rifle Brigade and was posted to the 7th Battalion in the 14th Division. In 1918 they were in the front line near St. Quentin in anticipation of the German offensives. The first of these was launched on the 21st March with a very heavy barrage which overwhelmed the defenders. It was one of the worst days for the British army in the Great War. The whole Division suffered so heavily that it returned to England for rebuilding. Among the losses on this day was Rifleman Albert Hawkeswood. He was 35 years of age and is buried in Grand Seraucourt Cemetery (IV D 16) near St. Quentin and commemorated on the Halesowen Memorial.